Features
My experiences as Chair By Belinda May
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t the next AGM I will be finishing my term as Chair, and I thought I would write a few notes about my experiences. I took on the role with excitement and trepidation as I hadn’t worked in business before, but I had a desire and interest in helping to professionalise our society and get the Alexander Technique more prominent in the public’s minds. What I did have was my experiences in life, many and varied from being a driving instructor to graphic designer, from mother to cook; and as an AT teacher both in private practice and at the Bristol School. I have had to learn skills which have been really useful in my own AT business. I have learned about the importance of strategy, policies and training, finance and many of the other aspects of running a membership society. I am continually amazed at how much is going on ‘behind the scenes’ to support the members and the future of the Technique. The breadth of work is wide, ranging from training to marketing, government requirements and communicating with AT Affiliated Societies. At times during my time on Council and as Chair I have I found it tough, a real challenge, but there have always been people to support me. I have, however also found it a
rewarding time and life changing. I have had to use my AT skills on many occasions such as when chairing meetings, especially the AGM, and I found I can do it. My confidence has grown and with it my ability to make choices in life that I would not perhaps have previously made. My business as an AT teacher has benefited through the knowledge and new skills I have learned. I have met many more teachers and wonderful people and really enjoyed working as a team with the office and Council. If you feel joining Council may be something you would be interested in, could do or wish just to ask some questions, please contact me or Ilia via the office email. We are particularly looking for members who can offer skills in finance/accounting or media. It would be lovely to hear from you. Editor’s note: We would like to express our apologies to Belinda and readers for the appearance of this article on p3 (“From the Chair”) in the January print edition of STATnews and in an early version of the online edition an error on our part. The correct version is now on p3 of this (online) edition and a loose-leaf insert included with the print edition.
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Irene Tasker – Her Life and Work with the
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F. Matthias Alexander Letters edited by Missy Vineyard and Jean M. O. Fischer
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